Job Description

Senior Ecologist

At Origin Enterprises, we are dedicated to championing sustainable land use, and our Environmental teams support a diverse range of clients and projects—from land management and development to restoration and conservation.

Joining us means becoming part of a collaborative, purpose driven community where this collective expertise enables us to deliver high quality, fully integrated solutions and contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes across the UK and Ireland.

About Scott Cawley

Scott Cawley is one of Ireland’s longest-established dedicated ecological consultancies, recognised as a leader in our field. We specialise in delivering innovative, best-practice solutions that protect and restore biodiversity, and we’re proud to work on a wide range of development and nature-positive projects across sectors including transport, pharmaceutical, industrial, energy, utilities, technology, and residential.

As an Origin Enterprises Company, we believe in developing and retaining our own talent and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, we value the potential of every individual and are committed to helping you achieve yours. Our growing company offers excellent opportunities for career progression, with staff wellbeing, safety, and a healthy work–life balance at the heart of what we do. We support continuous professional development, offer a competitive benefits package, and operate a flexible hybrid working model that works for you and our business.

About the role

Are you solution-focused, a team player, and keen to take a lead in the delivery of the

biodiversity and nature-positive outcomes of nationally significant projects?

We’re looking for professional ecologists with a friendly, flexible approach and the ambition to grow and develop alongside our evolving business. You’ll be self-motivated, organised, and conscientious, with the ability to work on your own initiative as well as collaboratively within a team.

Confidence in engaging with colleagues and clients in a professional and approachable manner is essential. You’ll also need a full driving licence, access to a car, and the flexibility to travel and work across Ireland, including occasional overnight stays.

The role will include:

Ecological Field Surveying & Analysis

• Designing, undertaking and managing ecological survey on large scale and complex projects. Including travel to projects around the island of Ireland, sometimes in remote locations.
• Collecting, analysing and interpreting complex ecological data using our extensive and advanced ecological survey equipment, GIS and other tools.
• Leading technical report preparation (EcIA, AA, Biodiversity Plans), reviewing deliverables, addressing feedback, and providing expert ecological advice to clients and stakeholders.

Project Management

• Efficiently manage complex projects by resolving budget, resource, and time issues; more experienced staff handle larger-scale initiatives.
• Effective communication with the team, clients, relevant stakeholders and the public to represent the business and deliver projects aligned with the company’s standards and reputation.

Additional Duties

• Line management of direct reports including resourcing, performance, and HR needs; provide technical guidance and mentorship to ecology staff.
• Engage in CPD, lead training, and provide support for technical research, standards, and tendering tasks.

Key Requirements:

• A degree in ecology, natural science or a related biological discipline. A postgraduate degree is advantageous but not essential.
• Membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) is desirable.
• A breadth and depth of experience in Ecological Field Surveying, data analysis and interpretation, and ecological impact assessment (including on large scale and complex projects).
• Good knowledge of relevant EU and Irish planning and environmental legislation and case law, and the planning process.
• Experience in leading and mentoring staff.
• Project, budget and time management experience.

Why work for us?

We offer a competitive and supportive rewards package designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally. This includes Life Assurance, access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and paid professional memberships such as CIEEM. We’re committed to continuous development, offering a blend of internal and external training opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career.

As part of our inclusive culture, you’ll have the opportunity to join our monthly Neurodiversity Café, take part in community action days, and benefit from our family friendly policies, including enhanced family leave options. While we value time spent together in our offices to collaborate and stay connected, most roles offer hybrid working and open conversations around flexibility.

You’ll also enjoy 25 days’ holiday, regular performance and development reviews, and the chance to collaborate across the wider Origin Group, especially within our growing family of Environmental businesses.

We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can grow, contribute and feel valued.

Visit our website to learn more — and grow with us.

#growwithus